Additional comments on this information collection request change can be transmitted to [email protected].
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2029
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2026
17,077,505
0
16,213,543
19,867,942
0
18,540,723
0
0
0
SSA requires the information we collect from the form SS-5 and SS-5-FS to issue original, and replacement cards, and to change or correct information on a Social Security number record. The agency uses a number of different instruments to collect this information depending on when the collection happens (such as at birth or later in life), the evidence we need to collect from the respondent, the need to validate the respondentâs identity, and the different modes available (including paper applications, electronic, and in-person interviews).
The instruments and modes we use to collect data for original and replacement SSN cards include:
⢠Form SS-5/SS-5-FS â The agency uses this paper application to collect data to request an original and replacement Social Security number (SSN) card or a change or correct information on a social security number record. All respondents can use this form and submit it in person at a field office or Foreign Benefits Unit. Form SS-5-FS collects the same information as the SS-5 but includes separate instructions for respondents who are responding to the information collection overseas. An overseas respondent could submit an SS-5, but the SS-5-FSâs instructions are likely more relevant to them than those on the SS-5.
⢠Social Security Number Application Process (SSNAP) â SSA technicians use this web based, Intranet application internally to collect and store SS-5 data during an in office interview with respondents.
⢠Enumeration at Birth (EAB) â for newborns, a hospital, birthing center, or licensed midwife collects and submits information to SSA under the EAB process. The vast majority of applications for original SSN cards utilize EAB. In this process, parents of newborns provide information required to register newborns. This information is sent to State Bureaus of Vital Statistics (BVS) who send the information to SSAâs National Computer Center. SSA uses the information to assign a newborn an SSN and issue a Social Security Card. EAB also includes SSA receipt of race and ethnicity information for the newborn and parent(s) if the parent(s) consent to release of this voluntary information. With parental consent, States and Jurisdictions ask questions to collect a newbornâs race and ethnicity information. If the parent(s) give consent, the State BVS electronically shares the race and ethnicity of parent(s) and newborn, consistent with the EAB process. State BVS send the information electronically to SSAâs National Computer Center through data-matching agreements. SSA uploads the data to the SSA mainframe along with all other enumeration data and assigns the newborn a Social Security number (SSN) and issue a Social Security card.
⢠Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) â The Online Social Security Number Application Process (oSSNAP) is a streamlined Internet application that collects information similar to the paper SS-5 form. Depending on the applicant and their reason for applying, oSSNAP supports either a partially automated or fully automated Social Security Number (SSN) card processing experience.
The respondents for this information collection are applicants for original and replacement Social Security cards, or individuals who wish to change information in their SSN records, who use any of the modalities described above.
US Code:
42 USC 405
Name of Law: Social Security Act
When we last cleared this information collection in 2023, the burden was 1,928,937 hours. However, we are currently reporting a burden of 2,739,719 hours. This change stems from a significant increase in the number of respondents applying for original and replacement cards due to both a fluctuation in population, as well as our expanded services since 2023.
In addition, as we are not currently conducting the EQR survey, we are using a one hour placeholder burden in the chart above to renew the collection without an associated burden, which minorly reduces the burden for this information collection. When we choose to conduct the EQR survey again, we will submit a Change Request to revise the burden accordingly.
* Note: The total burden reflected in ROCIS shows the additional combined time totals for the field office and telephone call system wait times (for those ICs that require them) as well as the rough estimate of a 30-minute, one-way, drive time in our calculation of the time burden (for those ICs requiring field office visits), and a 30 minute learning cost. As a note, SSA has decreased the wait times for field office and telephone calls since 2023, which is reflected in these figures. This is why the burden estimates on ROCIS do not match the chart in #12 above.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Application for a Social Security Card - no need to provide parent's SSN (Paper or SSNAP Intranet Modalities)